In European football, transfers and squad changes before every season attract special attention from fans, writes manchestereveningnews.co.uk. This time, the focus is on the English club Manchester City and young Uzbek central defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
The team’s head coach, Josep Guardiola, told the club’s management that an excess of players in the squad is making the working process difficult, with some players remaining on the bench, and stressed the need to reduce the squad size. Another important change is that new sporting director Hugo Viana has started to focus seriously on outgoing transfers.
According to the latest news, the main competitor in central defense, Vitor Reis, has gone on loan to Girona. This situation shows that Manchester City intends to keep Khusanov in the team for the new season. Both of these central defenders were bought in the winter for a large sum and, as promising young players, were expected to play in the main squad.
However, last season the team faced a serious problem with defender injuries, and Abdukodir Khusanov was thrown into key matches without much preparation. Nevertheless, Khusanov adapted quickly and was named the team’s best player in February. In the English Premier League and Champions League matches, especially in the game against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, he performed at a high level.
Guardiola said that he likes Khusanov’s simplicity, modesty, and discipline. The 21-year-old legionnaire became the first Uzbek footballer to play in the Premier League.
In the summer club world championship, Khusanov was not given as many opportunities as expected – he only played in one match, while Reis played a bit more. In addition, Ryan Aït-Nouri was signed to strengthen the defense, and Joško Gvardiol returned to the center of defense. At one point, there were rumors about Khusanov going on loan, but now it is Vitor Reis who is leaving the team.
The club’s management decided to release some players to comply with the foreign player limit for the Champions League. This especially increases Khusanov’s chances to fight for a spot in the starting lineup in the new season.
Apart from Joško Gvardiol, there are strong competitors in central defense such as Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Aké, and Manuel Akanji. However, Khusanov is still a serious contender for the main squad, and despite his youth, is trying to justify the coaches’ trust.
Another player whose status in the team has changed is Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who was loaned out to Scottish club Celtic. This decision shows that Manchester City is gradually getting rid of surplus players.
In summary, for Abdukodir Khusanov, the new season means even greater opportunities, serious competition for a place in the main squad, and a test of the coach’s trust. Fans are eagerly following the Uzbek legionnaire’s new historic steps.
Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
